What could cause me to experience complete sleeplessness, blank staring, and a sudden episode of passing out with a stiff body, foaming mouth, and rolled-back eyes (even though my brain wave test was normal) right after switching my bipolar medications from divalproex, pramipex, and fluoxetine to Lamictal, sertraline, and alprazolam?
I am so sorry you went through such a frightening experience. When switching medications, especially stopping divalproex quickly, your body can experience withdrawal. Divalproex helps prevent seizures, and stopping it suddenly can lower your seizure threshold, potentially causing the seizure-like episode you described, even if your brain wave test was normal. Additionally, Lamictal takes time to reach a protective level in your system. Please contact your doctor or psychiatrist immediately to discuss this reaction. They can safely adjust your doses of Lamictal, sertraline, and alprazolam to keep you safe and comfortable. We want to make sure you are fully supported during this transition.